GARDENER'S READING ROOM
Lawn Care
Organic Gardening

Weed and Feed—or Else?

You want a lush, beautiful lawn. You want to be a responsible, low-chemical gardener. You know you can’t have it all…. Well, guess what, you can!

Proper fertilizing and soil management can encourage grass to outgrow the competition; spot treatments of tough weeds can take care of the rest. Start with the soil - a soil that’s alive, rich in organic matter and the microorganisms that help roots grow, will produce strong healthy turf. If your soil is less than great, top dress with 1/4” compost and use some of Organica’s Microbial Soil Inoculant™. Remember that grass-cycling can help replenish your soil, so consider using a mulching mower. Use a good organic fertilizer such as Whitney Farms Lawn Food™ regularly to discourage both moss and clover. Lime at least once a year to keep your soil’s acidity within grass’s preferred range.

Okay, you’re getting your sod in shape to outcompete weeds - now what to do about those stubborn holdouts? The most responsible way to handle them is individually. If you need the exercise, you can dig them; if you don’t mind chemicals, a squirt of Lilly Miller Lawn Weed Killer™ can be used. If you don’t fit either category, have we got a deal for you: Herbisafe™, an easy-to-use organic contact herbicide. In our test here it took out even OXALIS! And if your neighbor has dandelions, a fall application of corn gluten will both prevent the seeds from germinating in your yard, and take care of your fall fertilizing.

So go ahead, go for it all - low chemicals, lush grass. Come see us for details.

By Terri Williamson
Skylights Spring/Summer 2003 Vol 17, No. 2

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